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US10230300B2 - Power converter predriver system with multiple power modes - Google Patents

Power converter predriver system with multiple power modes Download PDF

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Publication number
US10230300B2
US10230300B2 US15/497,010 US201715497010A US10230300B2 US 10230300 B2 US10230300 B2 US 10230300B2 US 201715497010 A US201715497010 A US 201715497010A US 10230300 B2 US10230300 B2 US 10230300B2
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Prior art keywords
switching element
power
predriver
power supply
gate
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US20180309361A1 (en
Inventor
Jingjing Yu
Christian Larsen
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Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd
Cirrus Logic Inc
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Cirrus Logic Inc
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Priority to US15/497,010 priority Critical patent/US10230300B2/en
Priority to GB1708548.1A priority patent/GB2561923B/en
Assigned to CIRRUS LOGIC INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. reassignment CIRRUS LOGIC INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YU, JINGJING, LARSEN, CHRISTIAN
Priority to PCT/US2018/028865 priority patent/WO2018200379A1/en
Priority to CN201880031449.0A priority patent/CN110663164B/en
Publication of US20180309361A1 publication Critical patent/US20180309361A1/en
Assigned to CIRRUS LOGIC, INC. reassignment CIRRUS LOGIC, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CIRRUS LOGIC INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/08—Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC
    • H02M3/04—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters
    • H02M3/10—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M3/145—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/155—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC
    • H02M3/04—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters
    • H02M3/10—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M3/145—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/155—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M3/156—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators
    • H02M3/158—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of AC power input into DC power output; Conversion of DC power input into AC power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/53—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M7/537—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
    • H02M7/538—Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a push-pull configuration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03F—AMPLIFIERS
    • H03F3/00—Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements
    • H03F3/20—Power amplifiers, e.g. Class B amplifiers, Class C amplifiers
    • H03F3/21—Power amplifiers, e.g. Class B amplifiers, Class C amplifiers with semiconductor devices only
    • H03F3/217—Class D power amplifiers; Switching amplifiers
    • H03F3/2171—Class D power amplifiers; Switching amplifiers with field-effect devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K19/00—Logic circuits, i.e. having at least two inputs acting on one output; Inverting circuits
    • H03K19/0175—Coupling arrangements; Interface arrangements
    • H03K19/0185—Coupling arrangements; Interface arrangements using field effect transistors only
    • H03K19/018507—Interface arrangements
    • H03K19/018514—Interface arrangements with at least one differential stage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/0003—Details of control, feedback or regulation circuits
    • H02M1/0006—Arrangements for supplying an adequate voltage to the control circuit of converters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/0003—Details of control, feedback or regulation circuits
    • H02M1/0032—Control circuits allowing low power mode operation, e.g. in standby mode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/0048—Circuits or arrangements for reducing losses
    • H02M1/0054—Transistor switching losses
    • H02M2001/0006—
    • H02M2001/0032—
    • H02M2003/1552—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC
    • H02M3/04—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters
    • H02M3/10—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M3/145—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/155—Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M3/1552—Boost converters exploiting the leakage inductance of a transformer or of an alternator as boost inductor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/10—Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to integrated circuits, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for power conversion in which a predriver system of a power converter operates in multiple power modes.
  • power converters may include boost converters and buck converters.
  • Such power converters are often used to convert an input voltage for other circuitry, wherein such converted voltage is greater than (e.g., if a boost converter is used) or less than (e.g., if a buck converter is used) the input voltage.
  • a boosted audio amplifier may include a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce a supply voltage for a switched output stage (e.g., a Class D of a boost converter) of the amplifier.
  • a system for power conversion may include a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor and a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch, the predriver system configured to operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
  • a method for power conversion may include, in a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor operating a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch in a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and operating the predriver system in a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage which may be used to implement the circuit of FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates another example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage which may be used to implement the circuit of FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit 100 comprising a boost converter 102 for converting an input source voltage V BAT to produce an output voltage V OUT , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • boost converter 102 may comprise an inductor 106 coupled at a first terminal to an input source voltage V BAT and coupled at a second terminal to non-gate terminals of each of switches 108 and 110 .
  • Boost converter 102 shown in FIG. 1 may also include a capacitor 107 coupled between a non-gate terminal of switch 110 and a ground voltage.
  • circuit 100 may also include a predriver system 116 .
  • Predriver system 116 may include any suitable system, device, or apparatus configured to drive a p-side control voltage v CTRLP to the gate terminal of switch 110 and to drive a n-side control voltage v CTRLN to the gate terminal of switch 108 .
  • Each of p-side control voltage v CTRLP and n-side control voltage v CTRLN may be pulse-width modulated signals.
  • switch 108 will generally be open when switch 110 is closed, and vice versa (although, in some embodiments, a diode may be used in lieu of switch 110 , wherein an anode of such diode may be coupled to inductor 106 and the cathode of such diode may be coupled to capacitor 107 ).
  • switch 108 When switch 108 is closed, current may flow from the voltage source generating the input source voltage V BAT through inductor 106 , and inductor 106 may store energy. During this time, inductor 106 may have a voltage drop across it, with a positive-polarity at the terminal coupled to the input source voltage V BAT .
  • switch 108 is open and switch 110 is closed, the current flowing through inductor 106 may be reduced.
  • Such change or reduction in current may be opposed by inductor 106 and the voltage polarity of inductor 106 may reverse (e.g., with a positive-polarity at the terminal coupled to generating the input source voltage V BAT ).
  • effectively two voltage sources are in series (input source voltage V BAT and the voltage across inductor 106 ), thus causing a voltage higher than V BAT to charge capacitor 107 .
  • switches 108 and 110 are cycled fast enough, inductor 106 will not discharge fully in between charging stages, and output voltage V OUT on capacitor 107 will have voltage greater than that of the input source voltage V BAT when switch 108 is opened.
  • output voltage V OUT generated by boost converter 102 may be a function of p-side control voltage v CTRLP , n-side control voltage v CTRLN , and the input source voltage V BAT .
  • predriver system 116 may be configured to receive a first power supply having a first supply voltage V DD and a second power supply having a second supply voltage V DDA significantly lesser than first supply voltage V DD (e.g., V DDA ⁇ V DD ). Predriver 116 may also receive a mode select signal MODE SELECT indicative of a desired operating mode of predriver system 116 .
  • predriver system 116 may operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the first power supply with first supply voltage V DD and a low-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the second power supply with second supply voltage V DDA .
  • a high-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the first power supply with first supply voltage V DD
  • a low-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the second power supply with second supply voltage V DDA .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example circuit 100 A comprising a boost converter 102 A for converting an input source voltage V BAT to produce an output voltage V OUT , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Circuit 100 A may be used to implement circuit 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • boost converter 102 A and predriver system 116 A of FIG. 2 may be used to implement boost converter 102 and predriver system 116 of FIG. 1 , respectively.
  • switch 108 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100 A as a single switching element, for example, an n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOSFET) 208 .
  • NMOSFET n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
  • switch 110 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100 A as a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET) 210 , although in some embodiments, such switch may be implemented as a diode having its anode coupled to inductor 106 and its cathode coupled to capacitor 107 .
  • PMOSFET metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor
  • FIG. 2 further depicts that predriver system 116 of circuit 100 may be implemented with predriver system 116 A having a single predriver circuit.
  • the single predriver circuit may include a predriver subsystem 216 for driving p-side control voltage V CTRLP to the gate terminal of transistor 210 and driving n-side control voltage v CTRLN to the gate terminal of transistor 208 .
  • the single predriver circuit may also include a switch 218 configured to, based on mode select signal MODE SELECT, switch a power supply input of the single predriver circuit between the first power supply having first supply voltage V DD and the second power supply having second supply voltage V DDA such that the power supply input is coupled to the first power supply and receives first supply voltage V DD in the high-power mode and the power supply input is coupled to the second power supply and receives second supply voltage V DDA in the low-power mode.
  • n-side control voltage v CTRLN may be driven to a low voltage as compared to the high-power mode, thus allowing boost converter 102 A to generate boosted output voltage V OUT while consuming less power.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example circuit 100 B comprising a boost converter 102 B for converting an input source voltage V BAT to produce an output voltage V OUT , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Circuit 100 B may be used to implement circuit 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • boost converter 102 B and predriver system 116 B of FIG. 3 may be used to implement boost converter 102 and predriver system 116 of FIG. 1 , respectively.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example circuit 100 B comprising a boost converter 102 B for converting an input source voltage V BAT to produce an output voltage V OUT , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Circuit 100 B may be used to implement circuit 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • boost converter 102 B and predriver system 116 B of FIG. 3 may be used to implement boost converter 102 and predriver system 116 of FIG. 1 , respectively.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit 100 B comprising a boost converter 102 B for converting an input source voltage V B
  • switch 108 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100 B as a switch 308 comprising a plurality of switching elements, for example, a first switching element comprising a first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and the second switching element comprising a second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 . Also as depicted in FIG.
  • first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 may be coupled in parallel in that respective non-gate terminals of each of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 may be coupled together.
  • FIG. 3 also depicts that switch 110 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100 B as a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 310 , although in some embodiments, such switch may be implemented as a diode having its anode coupled to inductor 106 and its cathode coupled to capacitor 107 .
  • FIG. 3 further depicts that predriver system 116 of circuit 100 may be implemented with predriver system 116 B having a plurality of predriver circuits comprising first predriver circuit 318 and second predriver circuit 320 .
  • First predriver circuit 318 may be configured to electrically drive a gate of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 , and first predriver circuit 318 may have a first power supply input coupled to the first power supply with first supply voltage V DD such that first predriver circuit 318 operates from first supply voltage V DD in order to drive the gate of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 with a first n-side control voltage v CTRLNH in the high-power mode.
  • second predriver circuit 320 may be configured to electrically drive a gate of second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 , and second predriver circuit 320 may have a second power supply input coupled to the second power supply with second supply voltage V DDA such that second predriver circuit 320 operates from second supply voltage V DDA in order to drive the gate of second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 with a second n-side control voltage v CTRLNL in the low-power mode, wherein second n-side control voltage v CTRLNL is substantially smaller than first n-side control voltage v CTRLNH .
  • second n-side control voltage v CTRLNL may be driven to a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor and first n-side control voltage v CTRLNH may be driven to another parallel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor in the high-power mode, thus allowing boost converter 102 B to generate boosted output voltage v OUT in the low-power mode while consuming less power.
  • a boost converter such as a buck converter and a buck-boost converter
  • references in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)

Abstract

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for power conversion may include a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor and a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch, the predriver system configured to operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.

Description

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to integrated circuits, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for power conversion in which a predriver system of a power converter operates in multiple power modes.
BACKGROUND
Many electronic devices on the market today often use power converters to convert electric energy from one form to another (e.g., converting between alternating current and direct current), convert a voltage or current of an electrical signal, modify a frequency of an electrical signal, or some combination of the above. Examples of power converters may include boost converters and buck converters. Such power converters are often used to convert an input voltage for other circuitry, wherein such converted voltage is greater than (e.g., if a boost converter is used) or less than (e.g., if a buck converter is used) the input voltage. For example, a boosted audio amplifier may include a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce a supply voltage for a switched output stage (e.g., a Class D of a boost converter) of the amplifier.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, certain disadvantages and problems associated with operation of a power converter have been reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for power conversion may include a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor and a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch, the predriver system configured to operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for power conversion may include, in a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor operating a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch in a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage and operating the predriver system in a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates an example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage which may be used to implement the circuit of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 3 illustrates another example circuit comprising a boost converter for converting an input source voltage to produce an output voltage which may be used to implement the circuit of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit 100 comprising a boost converter 102 for converting an input source voltage VBAT to produce an output voltage VOUT, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, boost converter 102 may comprise an inductor 106 coupled at a first terminal to an input source voltage VBAT and coupled at a second terminal to non-gate terminals of each of switches 108 and 110. Boost converter 102 shown in FIG. 1 may also comprise switch 108 coupled at one non-gate terminal to a ground voltage and coupled at its other non-gate terminal to inductor 106 and a non-gate terminal of switch 110, and switch 110 coupled at one non-gate terminal to inductor 106 and a non-gate terminal of switch 108 and coupled at its other non-gate terminal to a terminal of capacitor 107. Boost converter 102 shown in FIG. 1 may also include a capacitor 107 coupled between a non-gate terminal of switch 110 and a ground voltage.
As shown in FIG. 1, circuit 100 may also include a predriver system 116. Predriver system 116 may include any suitable system, device, or apparatus configured to drive a p-side control voltage vCTRLP to the gate terminal of switch 110 and to drive a n-side control voltage vCTRLN to the gate terminal of switch 108. Each of p-side control voltage vCTRLP and n-side control voltage vCTRLN may be pulse-width modulated signals. In steady-state operation, switch 108 will generally be open when switch 110 is closed, and vice versa (although, in some embodiments, a diode may be used in lieu of switch 110, wherein an anode of such diode may be coupled to inductor 106 and the cathode of such diode may be coupled to capacitor 107). When switch 108 is closed, current may flow from the voltage source generating the input source voltage VBAT through inductor 106, and inductor 106 may store energy. During this time, inductor 106 may have a voltage drop across it, with a positive-polarity at the terminal coupled to the input source voltage VBAT. When switch 108 is open and switch 110 is closed, the current flowing through inductor 106 may be reduced. Such change or reduction in current may be opposed by inductor 106 and the voltage polarity of inductor 106 may reverse (e.g., with a positive-polarity at the terminal coupled to generating the input source voltage VBAT). As a result, effectively two voltage sources are in series (input source voltage VBAT and the voltage across inductor 106), thus causing a voltage higher than VBAT to charge capacitor 107. If switches 108 and 110 are cycled fast enough, inductor 106 will not discharge fully in between charging stages, and output voltage VOUT on capacitor 107 will have voltage greater than that of the input source voltage VBAT when switch 108 is opened. Thus, output voltage VOUT generated by boost converter 102 may be a function of p-side control voltage vCTRLP, n-side control voltage vCTRLN, and the input source voltage VBAT.
Also as shown in FIG. 1, predriver system 116 may be configured to receive a first power supply having a first supply voltage VDD and a second power supply having a second supply voltage VDDA significantly lesser than first supply voltage VDD (e.g., VDDA<VDD). Predriver 116 may also receive a mode select signal MODE SELECT indicative of a desired operating mode of predriver system 116. Accordingly, based on mode select signal MODE SELECT, predriver system 116 may operate in a plurality of modes including a high-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the first power supply with first supply voltage VDD and a low-power mode in which predriver system 116 is supplied with electrical energy from the second power supply with second supply voltage VDDA. By being able to operate in a plurality of modes in this manner, when another system which is supplied power by output voltage VOUT is powered down or idle, operating in the low-power mode may allow boost converter 102 to stay active and continue generating a boosted output voltage VOUT, while consuming a smaller amount of power than it would in the high-power mode.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example circuit 100A comprising a boost converter 102A for converting an input source voltage VBAT to produce an output voltage VOUT, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Circuit 100A may be used to implement circuit 100 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, boost converter 102A and predriver system 116A of FIG. 2 may be used to implement boost converter 102 and predriver system 116 of FIG. 1, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, switch 108 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100A as a single switching element, for example, an n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOSFET) 208. FIG. 2 also depicts that switch 110 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100A as a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET) 210, although in some embodiments, such switch may be implemented as a diode having its anode coupled to inductor 106 and its cathode coupled to capacitor 107.
FIG. 2 further depicts that predriver system 116 of circuit 100 may be implemented with predriver system 116A having a single predriver circuit. The single predriver circuit may include a predriver subsystem 216 for driving p-side control voltage VCTRLP to the gate terminal of transistor 210 and driving n-side control voltage vCTRLN to the gate terminal of transistor 208. The single predriver circuit may also include a switch 218 configured to, based on mode select signal MODE SELECT, switch a power supply input of the single predriver circuit between the first power supply having first supply voltage VDD and the second power supply having second supply voltage VDDA such that the power supply input is coupled to the first power supply and receives first supply voltage VDD in the high-power mode and the power supply input is coupled to the second power supply and receives second supply voltage VDDA in the low-power mode. Thus, in the low-power mode, n-side control voltage vCTRLN may be driven to a low voltage as compared to the high-power mode, thus allowing boost converter 102A to generate boosted output voltage VOUT while consuming less power.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example circuit 100B comprising a boost converter 102B for converting an input source voltage VBAT to produce an output voltage VOUT, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Circuit 100B may be used to implement circuit 100 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, boost converter 102B and predriver system 116B of FIG. 3 may be used to implement boost converter 102 and predriver system 116 of FIG. 1, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, switch 108 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100B as a switch 308 comprising a plurality of switching elements, for example, a first switching element comprising a first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and the second switching element comprising a second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314. Also as depicted in FIG. 3, first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 may be coupled in parallel in that respective non-gate terminals of each of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 and second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 may be coupled together. FIG. 3 also depicts that switch 110 of circuit 100 may be implemented in circuit 100B as a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 310, although in some embodiments, such switch may be implemented as a diode having its anode coupled to inductor 106 and its cathode coupled to capacitor 107.
FIG. 3 further depicts that predriver system 116 of circuit 100 may be implemented with predriver system 116B having a plurality of predriver circuits comprising first predriver circuit 318 and second predriver circuit 320. First predriver circuit 318 may be configured to electrically drive a gate of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312, and first predriver circuit 318 may have a first power supply input coupled to the first power supply with first supply voltage VDD such that first predriver circuit 318 operates from first supply voltage VDD in order to drive the gate of first metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 312 with a first n-side control voltage vCTRLNH in the high-power mode. Similarly, second predriver circuit 320 may be configured to electrically drive a gate of second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314, and second predriver circuit 320 may have a second power supply input coupled to the second power supply with second supply voltage VDDA such that second predriver circuit 320 operates from second supply voltage VDDA in order to drive the gate of second metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 314 with a second n-side control voltage vCTRLNL in the low-power mode, wherein second n-side control voltage vCTRLNL is substantially smaller than first n-side control voltage vCTRLNH. Thus, in the low-power mode, second n-side control voltage vCTRLNL may be driven to a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor and first n-side control voltage vCTRLNH may be driven to another parallel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor in the high-power mode, thus allowing boost converter 102B to generate boosted output voltage vOUT in the low-power mode while consuming less power.
Although FIGS. 1-3 above and the description thereof contemplate use of a predriver system in connection with a boost converter, it is understood that the systems and methods described herein may be generally applicable to and usable by systems having power converters other than a boost converter, such as a buck converter and a buck-boost converter, as non-limiting examples.
As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication whether connected indirectly or directly, without or without intervening elements.
This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.
All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosures have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims (18)

What is claimed is:
1. A system for power conversion, comprising:
a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor; and
a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch, the predriver system configured to operate in a plurality of modes including:
a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage; and
a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the switch comprises a single switching element;
the predriver system comprises a single predriver circuit for electrically driving a gate of the single switching element; and
the single predriver circuit comprises a second switch for switching a power supply input of the single predriver circuit between the first power supply and the second power supply such that the power supply input is coupled to the first power supply in the high-power mode and the power supply input is coupled to the second power supply in the low-power mode.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the single switching element comprises a field-effect transistor.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the single switching element comprises an n-type field-effect transistor.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the switch comprises a first switching element and a second switching element; and
the predriver system comprises:
a first predriver circuit for electrically driving a gate of the first switching element, the first predriver circuit having a first power supply input coupled to the first power supply and configured to drive the gate of the first switching element in the high-power mode; and
a second predriver circuit for electrically driving a gate of the second switching element, the second predriver circuit having a second power supply input coupled to the second power supply and configured to drive the gate of the second switching element in the low-power mode.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein non-gate terminals of the first switching element and the second switching element are coupled in parallel.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the first switching element comprises a first field-effect transistor and the second switching element comprises a second field-effect transistor.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the first switching element comprises a first n-type field-effect transistor and the second switching element comprises a second n-type field-effect transistor.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power converter comprises a boost converter.
10. A method for power conversion, comprising, in a power converter comprising a power inductor and a switch coupled to the power inductor:
operating a predriver system for electrically driving a gate of the switch in a high-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a first power supply having a first supply voltage; and
operating the predriver system in a low-power mode in which the predriver system is supplied with electrical energy from a second power supply having a second supply voltage significantly lesser than the first supply voltage.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the switch comprises a single switching element;
the predriver system comprises a single predriver circuit for electrically driving a gate of the single switching element; and
the method further comprises switching a power supply input of the single predriver circuit between the first power supply and the second power supply such that the power supply input is coupled to the first power supply in the high-power mode and the power supply input is coupled to the second power supply in the low-power mode.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the single switching element comprises a field-effect transistor.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the single switching element comprises an n-type field-effect transistor.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein:
the switch comprises a first switching element and a second switching element;
the method further comprises:
electrically driving a gate of the first switching element with a first predriver circuit, the first predriver circuit having a first power supply input coupled to the first power supply and configured to drive the gate of the first switching element in the high-power mode; and
electrically driving a gate of the second switching element with a second predriver circuit, the second predriver circuit having a second power supply input coupled to the second power supply and configured to drive the gate of the second switching element in the low-power mode.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein non-gate terminals of the first switching element and the second switching element are coupled in parallel.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first switching element comprises a first field-effect transistor and the second switching element comprises a second field-effect transistor.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first switching element comprises a first n-type field-effect transistor and the second switching element comprises a second n-type field-effect transistor.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the power converter comprises a boost converter.
US15/497,010 2017-04-25 2017-04-25 Power converter predriver system with multiple power modes Active US10230300B2 (en)

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GB1708548.1A GB2561923B (en) 2017-04-25 2017-05-30 Power converter predriver system with multiple power modes
PCT/US2018/028865 WO2018200379A1 (en) 2017-04-25 2018-04-23 Power converter predriver system with multiple power modes
CN201880031449.0A CN110663164B (en) 2017-04-25 2018-04-23 Power Converter Pre-Driver System with Multiple Power Modes

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US20180309361A1 (en) 2018-10-25
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WO2018200379A1 (en) 2018-11-01
GB2561923B (en) 2019-11-06
CN110663164A (en) 2020-01-07

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